Debated in Parliament on 6 Nov 2017.
Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for Health (a) apart from the cost of nicotine replacement treatments, what are the other factors that prevent smokers from quitting smoking; (b) what are the current programmes introduced in schools and tertiary institutions to discourage students from picking up smoking; and (c) how has the Ministry worked with other agencies to enforce and reduce accessibility of cigarettes to minors.
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) offers a range of smoking cessation programmes under the "I Quit" campaign to support smokers to quit smoking. However, because smoking is addictive, smokers have to be disciplined and determined and many may need to try a few times before succeeding, particularly those who have been smoking for a long period of time.
We discourage people, especially the young, from even starting to smoke through a multi-agency, multi-prong approach, including through tobacco control legislation and public education.
For example, HPB works closely with the Ministry of Education to incorporate anti-tobacco messages in schools and institutes of higher learning. The aim is to raise awareness about the benefits of leading a tobacco-free lifestyle, highlight the adverse effects of smoking, and equip youths with life skills to refuse cigarette offers. To help youths who are already smoking, smoking cessation support is provided through counselling by Student Health Advisors based in 50 schools, school-based smoking cessation programme as well as telephone counselling by Quitline. Those who need help can call 1800 438 2000.
It is illegal to sell tobacco to underaged persons and we are planning to raise the minimum legal age from 18 to 21 as outlined in the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) Bill which will be tabled for Second Reading shortly. To curb supplies of tobacco to underaged persons, the Health Sciences Authority conducts surveillance on tobacco retailers for tobacco sales to underaged persons and investigates feedback from the public and leads from partner agencies.
The penalty for selling tobacco products to underaged persons is a maximum fine upon conviction of $5,000, and $10,000 for subsequent offences. In addition, the tobacco retail licence will also be suspended or revoked. Persons who give or buy tobacco for underaged persons are also liable to a fine upon conviction.
The Ministry of Health will continue its efforts to prevent people from starting to smoke, and to help those who are already smoking to quit.
PAPERCUTS